Sir Howard Morrison

1:23PM Thursday Sep 24, 2009
By Yvonne Tahana, Herald Staff and NZPA
Sir Howard Morrison was born into a family renowned for his entertainment skills.

Actor Temuera Morrison has praised his uncle Sir Howard Morrison as a giant of the entertainment world.

Sir Howard died suddenly in Rotorua this morning, aged 74.

Temuera Morrison was today at Sir Howard's home at Ohinemutu on the shores of Lake Rotorua comforting his family.

"He was a big totara tree in the world of entertainment," Temuera Morrison told NZPA.

"Despite all his successes he was very close to his family. I am just feeling for them. I am here for Aunty Kuia (Sir Howard's widow), Donna, Richard and Howard junior."

Sir Howard's health had been "up and down" for quite some time, he said.

"But more recently he had been more up, so it's still a great shock for us all."

Family spokesman Monty Morrison will be releasing a statement at Tamatekapua Marae, Ohinemutu, this afternoon which will cover arrangements for Sir Howard's tangi and funeral.

Sir Howard lived virtually next door to that marae, the premier marae of Te Arawa, and his knighthood was conferred on him there by Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves in 1990.

Sir Howard's family confirmed the singer's death to the Herald this morning, saying he had become ill while visiting Rarotonga last week.

His condition had not improved since his return a few days ago.

The Herald understands that Sir Howard's son and daughter had taken a group to the Cook Islands on an educational tour.

Click here for great Sir Howard Morrison video moments

Prime Minister John Key was among those today paying tribute to Sir Howard.

"Sir Howard was a New Zealand success story. From humble beginnings he became an international success, first with the Howard Morrison Quartet, and then in an illustrious solo career," Mr Key said.

"But more than that, Sir Howard was one of New Zealand's best loved entertainers, his appeal spanning every age group.

Showbiz family

Of mixed Te Arawa and Irish ancestry, Sir Howard was born in 1935 into a Rotorua family renowned for its entertainment skills.

His mother was Kahu Morrison (nee Gertrude Harete Davidson), who cut her own record and was a cornerstone of Maori culture and entertainment both nationally and internationally.

His son Howard Junior and daughter Donna are entertainers in their own right. Acclaimed actor Temuera Morrison is a nephew, while rising singing star Elizabeth Marvelly is a niece.

Sir Howard grew up in Rotorua and in Ruatahuna - near Waikaremoana - where his father Temuera Morrison, a Maori All Black, was working for the Maori Affairs Department.